If you are wondering about the title of this post, it says, “I need/want to speak Telugu well” in Telugu. Telugu is one of the languages spoken in the BELC and is the language spoken in the CLCI. It is the language of the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The other main language in the BELC (and the language of the state of Tamil . . . read more

Valentine’s Day seems to be big in India. At least is an opportunity for every business to advertise offers on special gifts, meals, trips, etc.
Missionary Todd Ohlmann asked our driver if he was going to get his wife flowers and chocolates for Valentine’s days. His response: “No, my marriage was arranged.” That made . . . read more

The title above was posted to the residents WhatsApp group where I live. While it is funny, it is also true. Until recently the area has been experiencing a water shortage, but now the monsoon has hit and again has brought major flooding to Chennai. I live on the very west side of Chennai and haven’t been affected by the flooding, . . . read more

In Chennai there has been an outbreak of dengue (which I learned is actually pronounce dengoo, not dengay) fever, which is a mosquito-borne viral illness. Since January there have been 80 reported deaths. Across the state there have been 11,500-12,500 cases so far this year.
Tuesday I did a training for the pastors here in Chennai. Less than half . . . read more

I went back to the surgeon yesterday (Friday, Sept 1). After immobilizing my knee for almost 3 weeks, I could no longer bend it. He sent to physical therapy (here called physiotherapy). I usually have a high tolerance for pain, but bending my knee, really hurt!
I am scheduled for five days of physical therapy. I was worried after yesterday’s . . . read more

Three weeks ago, when I was back in the US for furlough, I was going for one of my daily walks (as I have been prescribed to do) and felt a sharp pain in my knee when I took a step. I hobbled back to the house and put ice on my now swelling knee. A couple days later I went in for an MRI. The following week I got the results and the report . . . read more

On Tuesday, June 6th, 2017, I had the privilege of attending the graduation and ordination of 14 new pastors from Immanuel Bible School (IBS) in Nidubrolu, AP, which is the seminary of Church of the Lutheran Confession of India (CLCI). These men will now serve as pastors. Pray that God would bless their ministry.
Like the Immanuel . . . read more

I now can bend my knee 110º and no longer need to wear the brace, just a knee support. The surgeon said it would probably take a year before I’m fully healed; the meniscus does not have its own blood supply and takes a long time to recover. I occasionally have some pain if lie on my side and put stress on my knee, but otherwise I . . . read more

Yes, you read that right. It’s your birthday, what did you get me?
I just learned an interesting tidbit about Indian and Nepali culture. On your birthday, YOU are supposed to treat OTHERS, not the other way around, like in the US.
That explains why D Paul brought me treats the beginning of April for his birthday. I wanted to say, “But I . . . read more

I just had my 6-week follow-up from my knee surgery (to repair my meniscus). I can bend 30º more for a total of 90º and the surgeon said I can take the brace off unless I will be “exerting” myself. I asked him what that meant, and he said for things like stairs, etc.
I think I will wear the brace for a few more days as I walk around . . . read more